Human Settlements celebrates housing success

THE Western Cape Human Settlements Department is celebrating having delivery of 2 578 brand-new homes to residents across the metro as part of its Forest Village Housing Development initiative.

The initiative was one of the department’s Catalytic Projects launched in January 2016 with a hefty budget allocation of R1.1 billion.

Over the years, the housing development has benefited residents from different parts of the metro, among them former Eerste River, Mfuleni Rosedale, and Fairdale residents.

Human Settlements Minister Tertius Simmers said he was pleased with the success of the initiative.

“As of the end of February, 2 578 people have now moved into their brand-new homes in the Forest Village Housing Development in Eerste River. We are clearly demonstrating we are committed to ensuring that more of our residents, especially those who are most vulnerable, live in improved and safer conditions.

“It is for this reason we prioritise the elderly, persons with disabilities, those that have been on the Housing Demand Database for 15 years and longer, and backyard dwellers.”

,” said Simmers.

One of the recent beneficiaries of the Forest Village Housing Development, Thandiswa Magadla, said she was overwhelmed with joy after finally receiving keys to her brand new home.

“This is an absolute wow. I am so happy as I have been waiting for over 16 years. I have tears of joy. Thank you to all who made it possible,” she said.